Injured Super Eagles Goalkeeper Ezenwa Will Be Given Until The Last Minute To Prove His Fitness

Published: October 09, 2018

Enyimba goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness when he links up with his international teammates for the AFCON qualifier against Libya.

Ezenwa was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up in Enyimba's Aiteo Cup quarterfinal loss to Kano Pillars on Sunday but had to be substituted in the first half after suffering a facial injury.

Providing an injury update on Ezenwa, Super Eagles Media Officer Toyin Ibitoye told Channels Television Sport : ''There is no problem with Ezenwa, there are reports that he got injured but he will come to camp.

''We have a very competent medical team, they will assess him and if he is not going to be okay for the game, we have competent cover in Uzoho and Akpeyi.

''Only two goalkeepers are eventually going to be there for the game because only 18 will be there, we have 24 players in camp.''

In the event that Ezenwa fails to recover before Saturday, Super Eagles medics have to work hard to patch him up for the match day four AFCON qualifier against the Libyans in Sfax.

''He will be back and be ready before the second game on Tuesday.

''Ezenwa is a very strong goalkeeper and he knows exactly what the requirements are for you to get to the national team and he knows if he is not going to be up to it.

''I'm sure the doctors and physios will work on him and find out, and the coaches will take a decision.

''There is nothing for us to worry about, that department is adequately covered and absolutely no need for us to fear,'' concluded Ibitoye.

Ezenwa has not played for the Super Eagles in their last ten matches, with manager Gernot Rohr installing the teenage goalkeeper Francis Uzoho as the undisputed first choice.

Igho Kingsley